Publishing industry

Reservations recommended: Scoop for the Mac offers enticing features, but service can be slow

Article Abstract:

Target Software's $495 Scoop for the Mac offers standard desktop publishing features plus tools of a graphics package. Primarily for publishers of big documents, it is comparable in features to Ready Set Go and Xpress, and adds features they do not have. The program's shortcomings include extremely long menus and submenus, inadequate documentation, and frequent crashes when a file is closed with the Close Box, or when printing. With Scoop, a user can rotate text or graphics, stretch text and print it with a grey screen, and run text around an imported graphic or irregular shape. This program's graphics abilities offer dramatic advantages over other layout programs.

Charts that clarify

Article Abstract:

Well constructed graphs and charts direct readers to information they might otherwise ignore. Such graphics are only effective however, when they inform. There are a few basic formats: line graph; bar chart; pie chart; and table. Line graphs and bar charts plot changes. Pie charts are used to divide a whole into parts. Tables are for large amounts of information that just doesn't fit into the other formats. Several before and after situations illustrate the improper and the improved use of the various formats.

Publish! presents 101 greatest tips

Article Abstract:

Tips and timesaving techniques contributed by a dozen experienced desktop publishers are gathered into five categories: text and typographics; graphics and illustrations; page makeup and design; printing and typesetting; and networks and telecommunications. Altogether, 101 useful ideas are described and discussed. Suggestions range from overviews concerning how to approach a task to handy, specific techniques.